**5.6 POLITICAL INFLUENCE**
JDC Group AG is a member of the Bundesverband Finanzdienstleistung e. V. (AfW). The association ensures that the interests of independent financial advisors are represented in politics, business and the press. In addition, the AfW is also involved in various industry initiatives, organizations and associations on the topic of sustainability in the finance and insurance industry. These include the 'Industry Initiative Sustainability in Life Insurance', the 'Forum Nachhaltige Geldanlagen (FNG)' or the 'German Sustainability Network (GSN)'.
The CEO of JDC Group AG, Dr. Sebastian Grabmaier, has also been an honorary member of the board of the VOTUM association for over five years. The Verband Unabhängiger Finanzdienstleistungs-Unternehmen in Europa e. V. (VOTUM) represents the interests of its members in the context of national and European legislative initiatives and offers a platform for the prospective evaluation of regulatory framework conditions.
Beyond these measures to represent our interests, we are not politically active and generally take a neutral stance on such issues. We are not affiliated with any political party and did not make any party donations in the reporting year. [...] **5.7 CONDUCT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW AND GUIDELINES**
We attach great importance to complying with the law and guidelines and can proudly say that we have earned a reputation as a respected and reliable business partner since our foundation.
The relevant rules and regulations include, for example, laws, case law and requirements of supervisory authorities, but also contractual obligations, internal guidelines and industry-specific standards, such as the "Code of Conduct of the Insurance Industry".
Responsibilities in this area are clearly allocated. Overall responsibility for compliance with legal requirements lies with the Executive Board, which is responsible for setting up, evaluating and continuously improving the compliance management system. Group-wide compliance activities are monitored and controlled by a central Corporate Compliance Manager.